How to prepare yourself for Wedding Makeup + story time.
Your wedding day is one of the most memorable events of your life – and you deserve to look and feel your absolute best. Whether you're planning a grand celebration or an intimate elopement, wedding glam makeup and hair should be a priority, not a last-minute decision. Here's how to prepare and plan smart, so you feel confident, calm, and beautiful on your big day.
fot. @wedds_bygaby / weddsbyg.no dresses @by_fridman / byfridman.no
models beautiful @iselinguttormsen & @rominam9
book early – like, really early!
Bridal makeup and hair artists get booked well in advance – sometimes up to a year ahead. At Atelier Beauty, for example, bookings for the following year open each January, and our calendar fills up quickly.
TIP! Don’t wait until your venue or dress is secured. Once your date is fixed, start reaching out to beauty professionals you’re interested in.
trial session – your secret to confidence.
A trial appointment is included in the price for all our bridal services and it’s not just an extra – it’s essential. Think of it as your rehearsal for the big day. During the trial, we’ll:
Get to know your skin type and how it reacts to products
Analyze your dress, jewelry, and wedding theme
Test different looks until we find your perfect glam
Customize every detail to suit your features and preferences just so you can feel confident and what´s even more important YOURSELF
Why it matters: The energy and vibe of your makeup artist and stylist play a huge role in how you feel before your big day. You need to feel safe. Your wedding is not the time to take chances – avoid the heartbreak of last-minute surprises. Test first, decide after.
fot. @wedds_bygaby / weddsbyg.no dresses @by_fridman / byfridman.no
how to prepare for your trial.
To get the most out of your trial session, follow these steps:
- Book your trial 3–4 weeks before your wedding
- Bring inspiration photos (dress, hairstyle, jewelry, makeup looks)
- Wear a neutral or light-colored outfit to help visualize the total look
- Come with a clean face and freshly washed hair if possible
- Avoid makeup that day to prevent unnecessary skin irritation
- If you’ve never had professional makeup before, this is the time to experience how it wears and feels on your skin
skin prep is everything.
Flawless makeup starts with healthy skin. Here's how to prep in the days before your trial and wedding:
1–2 Days Before Trial:
Perform a gentle exfoliation
Apply a hydrating mask and lip pomade
Avoid trying new skincare products to prevent irritation
Tanning:
If you visit a tanning salon, your last session should be 7–10 days before your wedding. This does not apply to spray tanning – but be sure to let your artist know! Spraytanning can cause misscolourations around your neck, ears and face, so please choose only professional saloons in this case.
what to wear for your trial.
Think about what you'll wear for your trial makeup and hair session:
Choose something that’s easy to remove without touching your face
Avoid high collars or turtlenecks – especially if you’ll be trying foundation on the décolletage
Opt for comfort and similar neckline to your wedding dress if possible
fot. @wedds_bygaby / weddsbyg.no dresses @by_fridman / byfridman.no
eliminate the stress – know what to expect.
The trial session allows us to fine-tune every element in advance. There’s no room for adjustment on the wedding day, so having everything planned and tested removes the guesswork and anxiety.
You’ll know exactly:
How long the glam session will take
What products are being used
That your makeup will last and look stunning in photos
That you’ll feel like yourself – just elevated
Your wedding makeup and hair are about more than just appearance – it’s about feeling empowered, comfortable, and confident.
Bookings & Inquiries: atelierbeauty.aw@gmail.com
Bridal trials, weekend and evening appointments available – perfect as a girls' night surprise or special pampering session!
Story Time
shaving face went wrong.
As a makeup artist with over ten years of experience, I’ve had the privilege of working with hundreds of brides – incredible women, glowing with joy, excitement, and love. Each time, I feel deeply grateful to be part of their special day, to help them feel glowy and beautiful as they step into the next chapter of their lives.
But... not every story unfolds perfectly.
Sometimes, things don’t go according to plan – and that’s exactly what I want to share with you today.
You see, despite my best advice and years of experience, there are rare moments (what´s good i can only count them on one hand) when brides don’t follow the guidelines I provide. And when that happens on the wedding day, the pressure is real.
Starting this blog, I knew I wanted to share more than just beauty tips. I want to share real experiences that help you understand why choosing the right makeup artist or hair stylist is absolutely crucial – and why trial makeup isn’t just a formality, but a vital part of your bridal prep.
shaving face went wrong.
Let me take you behind the scenes of one unforgettable wedding morning.
I had a lovely bride booked – both for her trial and wedding day makeup, just as I recommend. During the trial, she had voiced concerns about excessive facial sweating and how it might affect her makeup’s durability. Together, we selected long-lasting products, adapted specific techniques to avoid a cakey finish, and created a stunning, soft glam look that held beautifully whole day.
She was happy. We hugged, laughed, and set the game plan for the big day. I gave her one important instruction:
“Do not change your skincare routine or try any new products or facial treatments before the wedding. We don´t want any surprises.”
Fast forward to the wedding day.
Everything was going smoothly… until I began cream contouring her face. I noticed something was off. The products weren’t blending. Instead, they were forming strange patches – slipping, sliding, refusing to grip the skin.
I paused, looked at her, and gently asked,
“Did you apply anything unusual on your face this morning?”
She smiled nervously and looked at me with her clingy eyes.
“No… nothing really… well—okay, don’t k!!!ll me—but I shaved my face last night.”
I took a breath. This was fixable. But it needed to be addressed immediately.
Let’s be clear: Yes, you can shave your face before makeup – in fact, it often helps makeup sit smoother. But only if it’s done properly, at least a week in advance, and with precision. Doing it the night before can cause uneven texture, irritation, and – like in this case – patches where the makeup clings differently due to varied skin surface.
Luckily, I was able to adjust the technique and product selection on the spot. The result? A stunning bride, ready for the aisle.
But the situation caused unnecessary stress, extended the time I needed but still we made it on time, and triggered anxious comments from those around her, questioning her choice to shave.
the lesson? plan like a pro.
This story isn't about blame – it’s about awareness.
As a bride, you already have a million things to think about, and beauty should not be one of the stressful ones.
Here’s what I always recommend, yes I´m shortly going to repeat myself:
Book your makeup artist well in advance. We open bookings every January for the following year.
Never skip your trial. This is your chance to test how products interact with your skin, confirm the style, and build a connection with your artist.
Prepare with care. No last-minute skincare changes, waxing, or shaving the day before. Your skin needs time to recover.
Create a calm environment. Your bridal prep space should be peaceful, private, and protected from unhelpful comments and opinions.
Plan for extra time. I always schedule buffer time to handle any surprises without pressure.
Because here’s the truth:
You are the star of the day.
Your face, your hair, your glow – it’s all in the spotlight.
And you deserve to walk into that spotlight feeling powerful, poised, and picture-perfect.
So choose your glam squad wisely. Choose calm. Choose confidence.
Big love to my amazing models @iselinguttormsen & @rominam9, one and only photograph @weddsbygaby and super talented designer @by_fridman for helping me create that post!
With love,
Angie x
fot. @wedds_bygaby / weddsbyg.no dresses @by_fridman / byfridman.no